Car comparison

BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24VvsBMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

BMW M3 Convertible (E46)

3.2i 24V

343 hp3246 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible2001-2006
VS

BMW M3 Convertible (E36)

3.2

321 hp3201 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible1995-1999

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    343 hp
    256 kW
  • Highest torque
    365 Nm
    269 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    207 hp/t
    155 kW/t
    4.8 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    300 L
  • Best overall score
    59/100
  • Best performance score
    66/100
  • Best practicality score
    44/100

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2

  • Lightest
    1,560 kg
    3,439 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.1 L/100 km
    21.2 mpg US
    25.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    17.0 L/100 km
    13.8 mpg US
    16.6 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.7 L/100 km
    30.5 mpg US
    36.7 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    559 km
    347 mi
  • Best economy score
    77/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24VBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
Power
343hp256kW
321hp239kW
Torque
365Nm269lb-ft
350Nm258lb-ft
Curb weight
1,655kg3,649lb
1,560kg3,439lb
Gross weight
2,100kg4,630lb
1,980kg4,365lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
76.2s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
75.1s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.5s
5.6s
0-200 km/h
20.0s
Calculated
20.1s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.2s
Calculated
5.3s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
12.1L/100 km19.4mpg US23.3mpg UK
11.1L/100 km21.2mpg US25.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
17.9L/100 km13.1mpg US15.8mpg UK
17L/100 km13.8mpg US16.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
7.7L/100 km30.5mpg US36.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.6s
Calculated
13.7s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
207hp/t155kW/t94hp/1000 lb
Calculated
206hp/t153kW/t93hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
221Nm/t148lb-ft/ton
Calculated
224Nm/t150lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
521km324mi
Calculated
559km347mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,246cc198cu in
3,201cc195cu in
Length
4,492mm177in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,780mm70in
1,710mm67in
Height
1,363mm54in
1,340mm53in
Wheelbase
2,731mm108in
2,700mm106in
Front track
1,508mm59in
1,422mm56in
Rear track
1,525mm60in
1,444mm57in
Trunk volume
300L
230L
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
4
Fuel tank
63L
62L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24VBMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2PowerTorque
  • BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V7,900 rpm4,900 rpm8,150 rpm
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.27,400 rpm3,250 rpm7,650 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24VBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.2 s
5.3 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.5 s
5.6 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.0 s
20.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.2 s
2.3 s
330 ft
101 m
5.9 s
6.0 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.9 s
9.0 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.5 s
11.6 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.6 s
13.7 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
170 km/h
105 mph
169 km/h
105 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
343 hp
256 kW
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW

BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V has 22 hp more than BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2 and BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V: 22 hp (16 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
365 Nm
269 lb-ft
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
350 Nm
258 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
1,655 kg
3,649 lb
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
1,560 kg
3,439 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V5.5 s
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.25.6 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V and BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2: 0.1 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2 and BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V: 1.0 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
207 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
206 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
521 km
324 mi
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
559 km
347 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
343 hp
256 kW
5.5 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW
5.6 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
300 L
10.6 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,363 mm
53.7 in
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,340 mm
52.8 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK
5.5 s
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK
5.6 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
207 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
206 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24VBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
Power
343 hp
256 kW
321 hp
239 kW
Torque
365 Nm
269 lb-ft
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.5 s
5.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,655 kg
3,649 lb
1,560 kg
3,439 lb
Fuel consumption
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
300 L
10.6 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,363 mm
53.7 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,340 mm
52.8 in
Range score
521 km
324 mi
559 km
347 mi
Trunk score
300 L
10.6 cu ft
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
207 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
206 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleBMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24VBMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2
Consumption12.1 L/100 km19.4 mpg US23.3 mpg UK11.1 L/100 km21.2 mpg US25.4 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km21.18 LC100 km19.43 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi34.08 LC100 mi31.26 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,815 L479 US gal399 UK gal1,665 L440 US gal366 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,176 LC/year2,914 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V

  • Has 22 hp more
  • Has 15 Nm more
  • Is 0.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 1 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 70 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2

  • Is 95 kg lighter
  • Uses 1.0 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 38 km (24 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V
BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2
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